U Visa for Nonimmigrants Who are Victims of Crimes

A “U Visa” gives nonimmigrants temporary legal status and work eligibility for victims of criminal activity that occurred in the United States or a U.S Territory, or that violate U.S. law. To be eligible for a U Visa, the crime victim must cooperate with law enforcement. If at any point the crime victim stops cooperating with law enforcement, the visa can be withdrawn. The U Visa can be for a period of up to four years; extensions are permitted when the alien’s presence in the United States is required to assist in the investigation or prosecution of a qualifying criminal activity. A person with a U Visa whose has been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of at least three years since the date of admission as a U nonimmigrant can apply for permanent resident status, if the individual’s continued presence in the U.S. is justified on humanitarian grounds to ensure continuation of a cohesive family, or is otherwise in the best interest of the public.

What qualifies as a “criminal activity?” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says:
“Qualifying criminal activity is defined by statute as being an activity involving one or more of a long list of activities that violate Federal, State, or local criminal law – from murder, rape, torture, sexual exploitation, and extortion to witness tampering, obstruction of justice, false imprisonment, etc. This is not an exclusive list – in fact, the list of qualifying crimes represents the myriad types of behavior that can constitute domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, or other crimes which vulnerable immigrants are often targeted. “

Consult an immigration lawyer or expert!
Undocumented immigrants should consult an immigration expert to see if he/she is likely to qualify for a U Visa, before contacting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service because if the application is denied, the applicant could be deported.

2-1-1 is a program of United Way of Connecticut and is supported by the State of Connecticut and Connecticut United Ways.

Central Intake/Assessment for Substance Use Disorder

Substance Use Disorder Programs that serve as an intake for agencies which evaluate individuals who are in need of substance use services and are directed to the number of subsidized beds that may be available in the community. Some programs may also offer medical detoxification services for people who need them.